Headlines
The UK Commences the world’s largest trial of blood tests that can detect over 50 types of cancer
The NHS is launching the world’s biggest trial of a potentially life-saving blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.
Some 140,000 volunteers in eight areas of England will be recruited to try the Galleri test, which is already available in the US, Sky News has reported.
The test can detect cancers that are not routinely screened for and it can find where the disease is coming from in the body with a high degree of accuracy.
NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “This quick and simple blood test could mark the beginning of a revolution in cancer detection and treatment here and around the world.
“By finding cancer before signs and symptoms even appear, we have the best chance of treating it and we can give people the best possible chance of survival.”
The NHS trial will invite people from different backgrounds and ethnicities who are aged between 50 and 77 to take part.
They cannot have had a cancer diagnosis in the last three years.
Blood samples will be taken at mobile testing clinics over the coming weeks, in 12 months, and again in two years.
The test looks for chemical changes in fragments of genetic code that leak from tumours into the blood, something done by some cancers a long time before symptoms.
Ms Pritchard said the test could play a major part in an NHS ambition to catch 75% of cancers at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
It has been especially effective at finding cancers that are more difficult to identify early, such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers.
But it cannot detect all cancers and would not replace NHS screening programmes such as those for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer.
The trial is being led by the Cancer Research UK and King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit together with Grail, which developed the Galleri test.
Professor Peter Sasieni, director of the unit and one of the trial’s leads investigators, said: “The test could be a game-changer for early cancer detection and we are excited to be leading this important research.
“Cancer screening can find cancers earlier when they are more likely to be treated successfully, but not all types of screening work.”
The eight areas involved in the trial will be Cheshire and Merseyside, Greater Manchester, the North East, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, Kent and Medway, and southeast London.
The first results are expected by 2023 and, if successful, the test could be in use from 2024.
Previous research, published in June in the journal Annals Of Oncology, analysed how the test worked in 2,823 people with cancer and 1,254 people without.
It correctly identified cancer in 51.5% of cases across all stages of the disease, with a false positive rate of just 0.5%.
For tumours that are not screened for – such as oesophageal, liver and pancreatic cancers – the ability to generate a positive test result was twice as high (65.6%) as for tumours that are screened for, such as breast, bowel, cervical and prostate cancers.
Around 55% of blood cancers were detected, and the tissue where the cancer was located was identified in 88.7% of cases.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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